Are you trying to decide between Aura and Identity Guard for your identity theft protection? Let’s dive into their features and value to help you pick the perfect one.
With identity theft on the rise, protecting your private info has never been more crucial. Aura and Identity Guard are two top contenders in the game, each offering solid tools to keep your identity safe. But which one should you go for?
Aura brings an impressive lineup of digital security tools, from antivirus to VPN and parental controls. On the flip side, Identity Guard focuses on advanced monitoring to protect you from potential threats. In this comparison, we’ll explore how these two stack up in terms of features, ease of use, customer support, and overall bang for your buck.
Why trust us? We’ve put in the time to thoroughly research and test both services, so you can count on our honest and detailed analysis. We understand how crucial it is to protect your identity, and we’re here to guide you toward the best option.
We'll start by comparing Aura and Identity Guard to see which service proves superior.
| Website | Aura.com | IdentityGuard.com |
| Pricing | $9 – $25/month | $6.67 – $23.99/month |
| Three-bureau credit monitoring | Yes, with all plans | With top-tier plans only |
| Identity theft insurance | Up to $5M | Up to $1M |
| Stolen funds reimbursement | Up to $1M | Up to $1M |
| Extra security features (antivirus, VPN, and password manager) | Yes, with all plans | Password manager only |
| 24/7 assistance | Yes | Yes (for emergencies only) |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days | 60 days |
| Best deal | 68% Off Coupon > | 40% Off Coupon > |
Highlights from our Aura and Identity Guard comparison
Aura offers comprehensive identity theft protection with features like $1 million in insurance, tri-bureau credit monitoring, and advanced security tools such as antivirus and VPN, making it more robust than Identity Guard.
Identity Guard provides cost-effective solutions and comprehensive monitoring services but has limitations with fewer features included in its basic plans compared to Aura’s all-inclusive offerings.
Aura excels in customer service accessibility with 24/7 support across multiple platforms, while Identity Guard has received complaints regarding response times and limited support hours.
- In terms of value, both of these services are excellent choices when you use the coupons in the table above.
Aura vs Identity Guard: Head-to-head analysis
Aura and Identity Guard both excel at protecting your personal information, but they take different approaches.
Founded in 2014, Aura quickly gained popularity for bundling modern tools like antivirus and VPN with its services. Identity Guard, around since 1996, is known for its advanced monitoring powered by smart AI technology.
While both aim to secure your identity, their unique features set them apart. Let’s dive into what Aura offers.
Aura: A quick overview
Aura was founded in 2014 by Hari Ravichandran after his own credit information was compromised, and it has since gained the trust of over a million users. Aura’s mission is to provide comprehensive cybersecurity tools, including three-bureau credit monitoring, so you can keep tabs on your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Plus, features like VPN and antivirus protection give your online safety an extra boost.
What sets Aura apart is its clear pricing – no hidden fees – and a great range of features. You get dark web monitoring, fraud call protection, and insurance coverage up to $1 million per person for identity theft-related losses. Family plans can even offer up to $5 million in coverage, giving everyone strong protection.
While Aura is a bit more expensive and doesn’t have social media monitoring, the level of protection and peace of mind it offers makes it a worthwhile option.
What we like about Aura
3-bureau credit monitoring included in all plans
24/7 customer support and fraud resolution services
Antivirus software included in all plans
No hidden fees
Dark web monitoring to detect compromised information
Fraud call protection to reduce spam and telemarketing calls
Up to $1 million per member in insurance coverage for identity theft-related losses
Plans for individuals, couples, and families
Parental control app
Password manager and VPN included for enhanced online security
What we don't like about Aura
Higher cost compared to some other identity theft protection services
No social media monitoring
See the latest Aura prices and deals: https://aura.com/save-50-offers
Now, let’s turn our focus to Identity Guard and see how it stacks up against Aura.
Identity Guard: A quick overview
Identity Guard has been a trusted name in identity theft protection since 1996, and now as part of Aura, it continues to offer reliable security in today's digital landscape. With over two decades of industry experience, Identity Guard is known for its strong protection and dependable service.
Every Identity Guard plan includes up to $1 million in identity theft insurance and uses AI-powered monitoring to give you extra alerts and risk management scores. All plans come with US-based customer support, and whether you’re looking for individual or family coverage, you’ll find options that include password managers and protection for unlimited children.
However, Identity Guard does have some drawbacks. Higher-tier plans can be on the pricier side, and features like monthly credit scores or credit card monitoring are only available with more expensive options. It also lacks parental control tools and has limited cybersecurity features compared to some competitors.
While there isn’t a free trial, Identity Guard does offer a 60-day money-back guarantee if you pay for a year upfront.
What we like about Identity Guard
Comprehensive individual and family coverage options
AI-powered identity monitoring with advanced alerts
Password managers included across all plans
Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance with every plan
User-friendly, straightforward pricing
Affordable entry-level plan for budget-conscious users
Family plan that covers an unlimited number of children
Predictive risk management scores to stay ahead of threats
US-based customer support for personalized assistance
What we don't like about Identity Guard
Higher-tier plans can be a bit pricey
Lacks parental control features
Limited range of cybersecurity tools
See the latest Identity Guard prices and deals: https://identityguard.com/special-40
Let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison to see which service, Aura or Identity Guard, comes out on top with its core features.
Aura vs Identity Guard: Which offers superior core features?
Aura and Identity Guard stand out in identity monitoring, each with its own set of strengths. To decide which is best for you, it's worth exploring what they offer. Both services keep tabs on your credit, search the dark web for your details, and safeguard your bank accounts.
Credit monitoring capabilities
Aura keeps a vigilant eye on your credit reports from all three major bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Anytime there’s a change or inquiry on your credit files, Aura sends you a prompt alert, allowing you to act quickly if something doesn’t look right. You’ll also receive regular monthly credit scores and an annual credit report to help you stay on top of your financial health. However, Aura’s credit reporting is limited to once a year, and it doesn’t include credit simulators or financial planning tools.
On the other hand, Identity Guard’s approach varies depending on the plan you choose. The “Ultra” plan, for example, monitors all three credit bureaus and notifies you immediately via email, text, or phone if anything suspicious happens. The “Total” plan offers daily monitoring and regular credit score updates but doesn’t include credit reports. If you opt for the “Value” plan, you won’t get credit monitoring at all, which is a bit of a letdown compared to what Aura offers.
Aura delivers thorough monitoring across all levels, but Identity Guard’s higher-tier plans focus on delivering more specialized protection with rapid alerts to keep your financial data safe. That said, the “Value” plan from Identity Guard falls short by not including credit monitoring, a feature often found in basic plans from other providers.
Dark web monitoring
Aura and Identity Guard don’t miss a beat when it comes to dark web monitoring, checking daily to ensure your personal information isn’t floating around in the dark corners of the internet.
Aura includes dark web monitoring in all its plans, providing daily scans across thousands of sites and immediate alerts when something suspicious is detected. This ensures you're always informed and can take swift action to protect your accounts.
Identity Guard also monitors the dark web 24/7, even with its “Value” plan, using advanced AI tools like IBM Watson to search black market sites and forums. If your data is found, Identity Guard sends detailed alerts and advice on securing your accounts.
While both services provide robust monitoring, Aura stands out by offering dark web protection across all plans, ensuring consistent coverage regardless of the plan you choose.
Identity theft insurance and resolution
Aura’s identity theft insurance goes the extra mile, offering top-notch coverage. With up to $1 million in coverage for individuals and up to $5 million for families, Aura has your back with protection for stolen money, legal fees, and even lost wages. Plus, their 24/7 fraud support means you’ve got a team ready to help you around the clock if things go awry.
Identity Guard also offers a solid $1 million in insurance coverage with every plan. This covers legal fees, lost wages, and other related expenses. However, the total $1 million cap might not stretch as far as Aura’s more generous coverage.
For those times when you need to recover from identity theft, Identity Guard’s “Ultra” plan includes white glove fraud resolution. An account specialist takes on much of the recovery work, giving you some much-needed relief during a stressful situation.
With its higher insurance limits and constant expert support, Aura provides a standout level of protection that outshines other services.
Financial account monitoring
Aura provides real-time alerts for suspicious activities across all financial accounts, including credit cards, bank accounts, investments, and 401(k)s. With comprehensive coverage in every plan, Aura ensures timely notifications of unusual transactions, helping you act quickly to protect your financial information.
Meanwhile, Identity Guard monitors for unauthorized transactions across various accounts but the level of monitoring and remediation services depends on the plan. Higher-tier plans offer robust monitoring and some remediation support, while lower-tier plans might not include these features, potentially complicating identity restoration.
Overall, Aura stands out with its all-inclusive financial monitoring across all plans, giving you consistent coverage. On the other hand, Identity Guard’s financial monitoring and support levels differ based on the plan you select.
Who packs a stronger core feature set, Aura or Identity Guard?
All of Aura’s plans come with three-bureau credit monitoring, so you’ll always get notified of credit changes. While both services check the dark web, Aura integrates this feature into all its plans.
Aura vs Identity Guard: Which service packs more extra security power?
Time to explore what extra security perks Aura and Identity Guard bring to the table. We'll uncover which service packs the most punch with its additional features.
AI-powered antivirus and VPN protection
For added security, Aura stands out with its robust antivirus software and VPN, giving you comprehensive protection against online threats.
Every plan from Aura includes top-notch antivirus software and a VPN with military-grade AES-256 encryption. This encryption safeguards your online activities and keeps your data secure, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Aura’s VPN also adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your browsing history remains private, despite being based in the US. However, the VPN only offers servers in the US, which might limit your options if you need international server access.
In contrast, Identity Guard focuses on identity monitoring and fraud alerts but lacks antivirus software and VPN protection.
Password management
Aura’s password manager is a real gem. It’s not only easy to use but also included with every plan. You can use it with all major browsers and enjoy 1 GB of secure cloud storage for your passwords and important documents. Plus, it lets you create profiles for your kids, so everyone’s digital world stays safe and sound.
On the other hand, Identity Guard’s password manager is also quite reliable. It keeps your passwords safe and gives you a heads-up if any of your credentials are weak or compromised. It doesn’t have cloud storage or family profiles like Aura, but it’s still great for keeping your passwords safe.
Ad and tracker blocking extension
Aura steps up your online privacy game with its nifty ad and tracker-blocking extension. It wipes out ads and keeps those sneaky trackers at bay, giving you a smoother and safer browsing experience. Whether you're using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, Aura’s extension has got you covered, even protecting you from malware and phishing sites.
Identity Guard also helps block ads and trackers, but Aura’s extension goes the extra mile with its advanced features.
Social media monitoring
Identity Guard excels here with its dedicated social media monitoring. It tracks your accounts for harmful content and suspicious activity, sending you instant alerts if anything seems off. This means you can stay on top of potential issues and keep your online presence safe.
On the other hand, Aura focuses on other aspects of identity protection and doesn’t offer social media monitoring. While it provides robust protection in other areas, it doesn’t keep an eye on your social media activity.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) login
Aura and Identity Guard take your security seriously with 2FA, but they have their approaches.
With Aura, 2FA is included in every plan, so you’re always getting that extra layer of protection. It’s like having a double lock on your front door—first your password, then a code sent to your phone—making it much harder for anyone to break in.
Identity Guard also offers 2FA, but it depends on which plan you choose. Higher-tier plans usually include it, while some basic plans might not, so you’ll want to pick the plan that best fits your needs if 2FA is a must-have.
Family plans and parental controls
Aura’s family plans are a real win for households, covering up to five adults and unlimited kids with up to $5 million in identity theft insurance. But it’s the parental controls that shine.
With Aura, you can easily set screen time limits, pause the internet during family dinners, and keep tabs on your kids' online activities to ensure they're safe from cyberbullying and harmful content.
On the other hand, Identity Guard’s family plans offer solid identity protection for up to five adults and unlimited children, but they don’t come with the same built-in parental controls. So while your family’s identities are secure, you might need other tools to manage what your kids are doing online.
For added security features, does Aura or Identity Guard come out on top?
Unlike Identity Guard, which focuses on the basics, Aura goes beyond with additional services like VPN, antivirus, and parental controls included in every plan. For those who value thorough protection, Aura's advanced options, such as automatic data broker removal and 24/7 support, make it a more attractive option.
Extra security features winner: Aura
Simplicity in use: Which is more user-friendly, Aura or Identity Guard?
Let's see how easy it is to use Aura and Identity Guard. We'll compare which service offers a smoother experience for managing your identity protection, whether you're tech-savvy or prefer a simple approach.
Setup and configuration
Setting up Aura was smooth sailing from the moment we started. Just pop in some basic personal info – like your name, email, and phone number – set a solid password, and you're all set. We found the interface incredibly user-friendly, with everything you need right at your fingertips. Whether you're diving into the VPN or checking out the antivirus, it’s all just a click away. Plus, the separate downloads for tools like Safe Gaming are simple to manage, and the browser extensions really step up your security game with password management and ad blocking.
With Identity Guard, setting up takes a tad longer but is still a walk in the park. After picking a plan, you create a password, fill in your details, and handle the payment. We liked how those little pop-up tips guide you through why certain info is needed – very handy if you’re just getting started with identity protection. The clean, cloud-based dashboard keeps everything at your fingertips, letting you check your security status without any extra downloads.
User interface and apps
We found that getting around Aura’s user interface is a delight. Everything is neatly organized, making it a cinch to access features like the VPN, antivirus, and social media monitoring.
One of the best features is the customizable dashboard. It’s super easy to set up your priorities, so you can focus on tracking your financial accounts or watching over your Social Security number—whatever’s most important to you.
The mobile app for Aura is equally impressive, running smoothly on both iOS and Android. It keeps you updated with instant notifications, so you’re always in the loop. One thing to note, though, is that Aura spreads its features across different apps, which might feel a bit fragmented if you’re used to having everything in one spot.
Identity Guard offers a more straightforward experience with its user interface. The dashboard is clear and intuitive, giving you quick access to essentials like alerts and credit scores. The mobile app is perfect for quick checks and receiving alerts, but we found the desktop version to be where the magic happens for more in-depth management.
Canceling your subscription
Calling it quits with Aura? The process couldn’t be simpler. We just logged in, headed to the membership settings, and followed the steps to cancel. It’s straightforward – pick a reason, and you’re done. Even after canceling, your account stays active for the time you’ve already paid for. Plus, if you’re on an annual plan, you’ve got that 60-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no stress. If you prefer talking to someone, Aura’s customer service at 1-855-712-0021 was really helpful when we called.
For Identity Guard, you can easily manage or cancel your subscription through their “My Account” section. And if you haven’t activated your subscription within 29 days, they’ll automatically cancel it for you. They’ll even send a reminder email with a link to get started if you change your mind.
Is Aura or Identity Guard more user-friendly?
Getting Aura up and running is a snap, with fewer steps needed to pick a plan compared to Identity Guard’s more layered setup. Both apps are easy to navigate, but Aura’s stylish design and convenient mobile features give it the edge.
Who provides more helpful customer service: Aura or Identity Guard?
From our experience, Aura’s customer support is top-notch. Whether it’s late at night or early in the morning, their 24/7 support team is just a call, email, or live chat away. We found their team to be incredibly knowledgeable, and their fraud resolution specialists are a real lifesaver if you ever need them. Plus, their help center is packed with useful resources if you’re the type who likes to figure things out on your own.
On the other hand, Identity Guard also offers solid support, but it’s not available around the clock. They’re there for you Monday through Saturday, including weekday evenings, but Sundays are a no-go. They do have 24/7 emergency support, which is reassuring, but we did notice that some users have had issues with cancellations and auto-renewals. And the lack of live chat can be a bit frustrating if you need quick help.
In a nutshell, Aura’s 24/7 support and swift responses made us feel more secure, making it our go-to choice for reliable customer service.
Customer service winner: Aura
Pricing and plans: Who gives you more value for your money?
Curious about where you’ll get the most for your money? Aura and Identity Guard each present exciting options, and we’ve explored how they stack up against each other.
From what we’ve seen, setting up with Aura gives you top-notch protection without making your wallet cry—well, not too much. Their plans range from $12 to $50 per month, and even at the higher end, you’re getting a lot for your investment.
Here’s a look at the three main annual plans, each loaded with features designed to elevate your identity protection:
- Individual: Starting at $12 per month ($9 with a coupon), this plan offers identity and credit monitoring, antivirus, a VPN, $1 million in identity theft insurance, and 1GB of secure cloud storage.
- Couple: At $22 per month ($17 with a coupon), this plan covers two users with $1 million in insurance each, 2GB of cloud storage, and security for up to 20 devices.
- Family: For $35 per month ($25 with a coupon), this plan protects up to five adults and unlimited children, including $1 million in insurance per adult, 5GB of cloud storage, and coverage for up to 50 devices. It also features extensive parental controls.
Aura offers a unique “Kids” plan, focusing on parental controls and safe browsing with tools like Circle. It doesn’t include standard identity theft protection but ensures online safety for children.
Exclusive Aura Coupon:
Get 68% Off Aura subscription plans with the coupon below:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 60 day money-back guarantee.)
Identity Guard features a tiered pricing structure:
Value: $6.67 per month for basic identity protection, including dark web surveillance and high-risk transaction alerts.
Total: $16.67 per month for comprehensive protection with credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, high-risk alerts, and social media monitoring.
Ultra: $25 per month for extensive coverage with all Total Plan features plus enhanced fraud resolution and regular credit score updates.
For families, Identity Guard offers plans from $10 to $23.99 per month, covering up to five adults and unlimited children, making it a cost-effective option.
Exclusive Identity Guard Coupon:
Get 40% Off Identity Guard subscription plans with the coupon below:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 60 day money-back guarantee.)
So, which service delivers more for your dollar?
Aura offers more bang for your buck compared to Identity Guard. With solid monitoring, parental controls, and advanced security features in all plans, Aura stands out as a top choice for great value.
Pricing and plans winner: Aura
Data security and privacy practices: Does Aura or Identity Guard offer stronger protection?
Aura provides robust security with 256-bit AES encryption, similar to what banks and the military use, and strong security protocols to protect your personal information. They use military-grade cloud storage with advanced encryption and a clear privacy policy that ensures your data isn’t sold or shared without your consent. Aura’s Privacy Assistant helps remove your details from data broker sites, and their VPN has a no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t track your IP address or browsing activity.
Meanwhile, Identity Guard uses IBM Watson to scan the dark web for compromised data, enhancing its monitoring capabilities. They also apply strong encryption for data protection. While they share basic information like email and IP address with partners to ensure service functionality, they maintain high security standards with regular audits and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
How do Aura and Identity Guard compare?
When it comes to transparency, Aura’s privacy policies are clear, though the inclusion of Identity Guard in the privacy policy might be a bit confusing due to the lack of direct mention.
Both services offer strong encryption and security protocols. Aura enhances protection with its no-logs VPN and comprehensive cloud storage. Even though both Aura and Identity Guard are based in the US, they both stick to a strict no-logs policy, so your browsing habits remain private. This is reassuring, especially given that the US is part of the Five-Eyes alliance (FVEY), which shares intelligence data among its members.
All in all, both Aura and Identity Guard are strong on security and privacy, but Aura’s no-logs VPN and additional features take its protection to the next level.
Data security and privacy: Aura
Conclusion: Which identity protection service stands out?
After spending some time with both Aura and Identity Guard, here’s how we feel they stack up:
Core features: Aura – Aura pulls ahead with its all-in-one approach. Whether it’s dark web monitoring or real-time alerts, Aura packs these into every plan, making sure you’re covered from all angles.
Extra security tools: Aura – Aura’s extra security features really caught our eye. From the no-logs VPN to military-grade cloud storage, these tools make you feel like your data is locked down tight.
Simplicity in use winner: Aura – Setting up Aura was almost effortless. We loved how user-friendly it was, with a clean design that makes it easy to find what you need, no matter what device you’re on. Identity Guard works well too, but Aura just felt more intuitive and.
Customer service: Aura – We were pleasantly surprised by Aura’s customer service. Whether we had a question or needed help, their team was quick, friendly, and really knew their stuff.
Pricing and plans: Aura – Aura’s pricing is refreshingly straightforward – no hidden fees, no sneaky upcharges. Plus, the free trial and 60-day money-back guarantee make it easy to test out the service without any stress. Identity Guard offers a range of plans, but Aura’s transparent pricing really stood out to us.
Data security and privacy: Aura – Both Aura and Identity Guard excel in data security and privacy. They use strong encryption and adhere to strict no-logs policies, ensuring your data remains private. Aura’s privacy assistant helps manage your data visibility, while Identity Guard leverages IBM Watson for advanced, AI-powered monitoring.
Both services are solid, but Aura’s extra features and transparent pricing gave us that extra level of confidence. For those who want comprehensive protection with no surprises, Aura is the clear winner.
Aura vs Identity Guard FAQ
What is the main difference between Aura and Identity Guard?
The main difference lies in their approach to identity protection. Aura bundles a bunch of digital security tools like antivirus, VPN, and parental controls with its identity theft protection plans. On the flip side, Identity Guard focuses more on advanced monitoring services powered by AI technology to spot and alert you of potential threats.
Are Aura and Identity Guard the same company?
No, Aura and Identity Guard aren't the same company. However, Identity Guard is actually part of Aura. They operate independently, though, each with its own unique features and services to cater to different needs.
Which service has better plans for families, Aura or Identity Guard?
If you're looking for family-friendly plans, Aura's got you covered. Their family plans can protect up to five adults and unlimited kids, with cool features like parental controls and up to $5 million in identity theft insurance. Identity Guard has family plans too, but they don't come with the built-in parental controls that Aura offers. So, Aura might be the more complete package for families.
This Aura vs Identity Guard comparison guide was last updated on August 17, 2024.
Leave a Reply